In Memoriam: Andrew McNaughton

Dear Writers,

You may have heard the news that Nick Wilford's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, passed away this weekend.

Author Kyra Lennon is organizing the efforts to send Nick and his family flowers (and perhaps a donation to a charity of their choosing) on behalf of our writing community.

(Details at the IWSG page.)

If you feel led, donations can be made via Kyra's Paypal account, and you can contact Kyra at her website or via Twitter for her email address.

I never met Andrew, but from what I've read on Nick's blog, despite his physical challenges, this young man lived life with a passion.

Sending my deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers to the Wilford and McNaughton families.

May you rest in peace, Andrew.

Andrew McNaughton and his step-father, Nick Wilford

Oh, How I Miss You... Bloghop

Aloha,

Sadly, I was informed that the 17-verse sonnet I wrote for my beloved and departed hair is not exactly what Andrew Leon, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and Matthew MacNish had in mind as they host the second annual “Oh, How I Miss You” blog hop.

It is, of course, about the bloggers we miss…and the ones we would really miss!

Here’s the premise: Do you have a couple blogger buddies who aren’t posting as often? Those who’ve pulled back and seem absent from the blogging world? Do you have blogger buddies you are grateful they are still around and would miss if they vanished?

Our blogger friends are special – time to let them know!

 

The three people I miss are the same from last year (I still miss them...):

 

Daina Rustin over at Mystic Treehouse (Daina was the one of the first Bloggers to follow me who was NOT a friend or family member – and I will always appreciate her “followship” :)

 

 

 

Saran Pearson over at Empty White Pages (Sarah and I shared many a funny comment “back in the early days” and I miss her humor and insight.)

 

 

Rachael Harrie over at Rach Writes… (Rach is still around, but has taken an extended break from her Writer’s Platform-Building Campaign.)

Three Bloggers I would miss are:

Melissa Maygrove: is just a super person who I can always rely on to offer honest and straightforward advice - plus she is, in my humble opinion, the Grammar Goddess of the whole, entire Blogisfear :)

Father Dragon: (Also known as Al Diaz:) Father Dragon has been a force of goodness and inspiration over the past year. I know Al said he was thinking of taking a blogging step backward - because of some other opportunities - but I hope we don't lose you altogether, my brother from another madre :)

Morgan Shamy: Morgan is another friend I would hate to lose. She has taken some time off for now, but I can't wait for her to come back with more of her awesome sauce positivity. My day is always better when I'm fresh, posted and Morganized :)






                                                Who do you miss?

IWSG: I lost my Pantser. Should I Skirt on a Schedule?

Aloha,

Did you know? The first Wednesday of the month has been trademarked as a time to share with the Insecure Writers Support Group.

Led by Alex CASSAnaugh, the Ninja Captain is ably supported this month by CD Coffelt, Tina Downey, Isis Rushdan and Michelle Wallace.

This month, I’m insecure about my male pattern baldness.

Dang, wrong email…. Hang on a mo, bro... oh here we go…

I’m worried that I’m losing readers because I have no set schedule. But, do I need a schedule?

Although a little confused, I'm planning to roll out the schedule listed below, which would begin the first Monday of 2034. (This gives me time to iron out any font, layout or spell-check issues.)

In the meantime, I’d really like your input.

Is the schedule too hot, or too hard to follow?

Too cold, or too soft to the etouch?

And, has anyone seen Baby Bear?

WEEK ONE:

MONDAY: OPEN (for cover reveals, bloghops, etc.)

WEDNESDAY: ISWG (what?)



A Beach

 

FRIDAY: Happening in Hawaii (Things to do/places to go while visiting O’ahu.)

 

 

 

WEEK TWO:

MONDAY: OPEN

            WEDNESDAY: Mark’s Musings (who only knows what will pop out of my mouth – but it will be terribly serious.)

The Southernmost point of the U.S. (on the Big Island)

 

FRIDAY: Friday Fotos (Pictures of the islands – and its people)

WEEK THREE:

MONDAY: OPEN



Ear-warmers: Secret way to use a Boppy #102

 

WEDNESDAY: Writer’s Wednesday (I’ll share my depth of knowledge (will be a short series)

FRIDAY: You Know You’re A Parent When… (My ongoing series as a stay-at-home dad to three mini-marks)

WEEK FOUR:

MONDAY: OPEN

            WEDNESDAY: Book Review

FRIDAY: Do You Have Goals Bloghop (this ongoing series is the brainchild of Misha Gericke.)

(When there’s a WEEK FIVE, one shall wing it.)

Thanks for taking the moment to review and share your thoughts via the comments – and, oh… if anyone has an idea or a suggestion, I have a box for that, too :)

Hosting a "50 States of Pray" Event on Christmas Eve

Aloha,

New Year's Eve, 2012 seems like such a long time ago and it's scary to think that in a couple of months, another year will be over.

Sunset at Barbers Point, HI - Dec. 31, 2012

As always, a lot has happened. I'm sure 2013 will turn out to be a long year for some, and a fun ride for others, but as we sit here, less than eight weeks from Christmas, I thought why not set aside a moment to reflect on the year that was and share some hopes for the next year?

I'm calling this the 50 States of Pray event, and I'd love to find at least one person (but the more the merrier) from each U.S. state to participate.

But wait! (as they say on TV:) This is absolutely open to anyone, anywhere. Imagine if we got one person from 50 independent states (countries), too. That would be amazing!)

Today is just a "Save The Date" notice, but here's the simple goal behind 50 States of Pray:

On Dec. 24, 2013, take a moment, (and in about 100 words), share a prayer, a thought, a memory, a hope, a regret about the past and/or a wish for the future.


I will make the official announcement and open the Linky List Monday, Dec. 2, 2013.

Banner Courtesy Melissa Maygrove :)

I have four three things I need help with - if you're so led.

A. If you plan to participate, please let me know via comments below - and tell me which state you'll be "representing." (This way, I can load the map ahead of Dec. 2 :)

B. I need help promoting 50 States of Pray.

On Twitter, please help me promote the event by tweeting this post and/or using the #50StatesOfPray hashtag.

Any help with sharing this post via Facebook would also be much appreciated.

C. If anyone can come up with a 50 States of Pray button that would be awesome :)
THANK YOU, Melissa Maygrove - really appreciate your time and help making the banner :)

D. If anyone can help spread the word via an announcement Dec. 2 on their blog, please let me know.


Any questions, shoot me a comment or an email.


Cheers, and aloha :)